Johnston High School students craft Ukrainian flag, raise money for war relief

They colored it royal blue and yellow last week at Johnston High School.

Dozens upon dozens of students, as well as administrators, faculty and staff, came to Cherry Hill wearing garb in those colors above for what people declared was one of the most extraordinary acts of caring and kindness in JHS history.

It was many members of the proud Panthers student body – whose official school and famous colors have always been Columbia blue and white – joining forces to take an active role in trying to help with the current crisis in the Ukraine.

It was also a show of force from three high-profile and valuable JHS student groups — namely SADD (Students against Dangerous Decisions), Student Council and World Cultures Club — that resulted in a decision to create what many people concurred added a unique Johnston flair to everyone’s efforts.

Enter Emilia Ruggeiro, who doubles as the World Cultures Club advisor and “Mr. Panther for all Seasons and Reasons” and Science Department Chairman Greg Russo, who discussed a way to assist people in the war-torn country in some special way.

The two came up with the idea of constructing a huge Ukrainian flag that would be built in a similar fashion as to how JHS students build the school’s traditional and much-envied Homecoming floats that are decorated with hand-made paper flowers.

So, members and officers of SADD supplied the necessary funds to purchase the wood to build the flag’s frame as well as paper necessary and numerous students took it to heart to make the flowers.

Likewise, Industrial Arts teacher Tom Milligan and Physics teacher Tom Stahl put the basic frame together and as Russo pointed out: “All of this outstanding student support allowed the flag to be built within a few days.”

And that, Russo went on: “All of which was followed by planned collection days that coincided with St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s Day and there were even Dress Down Days for the faculty and staff on each of those Irish and Italian holidays.

Enter the sophomore class that provided Irish treats on St. Patrick’s Day and Student Council officers provided Zeppoles on St. Joseph’s Day that resulted in more money for the project.

In addition, Student Council members and World Culture Club students went from homeroom-to-homeroom and the school cafeteria collecting even more money.

“All totaled,” Russo related, “Johnston High School collected over $1,800 over three days and that will be donated to the Trip Advisor Foundation that funds the World Central Kitchen and supplies food for the Ukrainian Relief.”

As he stood outside JHS with Ruggeiro and countless proud Panthers, Russo offered “Special thanks to Student Council President Rebecca Clements and all the students who took part in this worthy cause. Also, to the administration — Principal Dr. Donna Pennachia and Susan Volante — for being supportive during this and other worthwhile projects.”